Here are some fascinating facts we often overlook. Younger children have smaller stomachs and thus, do not eat large portions at one sitting. Their naturally active tendencies lead to shorter mealtimes. So, snacks help them meet their nutrition requirements for growth. Orchestrated carefully, snacks can be value-added nutritional complements to your child’s main meals

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend that younger children eat three meals and at least two snacks a day.^1,2

For picky eaters, snack time presents opportunities for your child to explore the new flavours and textures you craft into the menu. Start small, offer minute portions of winning choices. Then, add on new items. Don’t pressure your child to taste or eat new foods immediately. Encourage exploration through the sense of sight, smell, touch and taste. Allow your child to describe the experience to get an insight into your child’s thoughts and feelings so you can improve the next eating experience. Keep on trying as it sometimes takes 10 – 15 attempts before a child may eat new foods.

Smart Snack Choices

The crux to snacking right is to always ensure that nutrient-dense snacks are your priority.

Nutrient dense snacks should provide:

1. carbohydrates for energy, with little or no added sugars
2. ‘good’ fats like monounsaturated fats (MUFA) while being low in saturated fats and free of trans fats
3. adequate protein and other vital nutrients such as fibre, iron and calcium

Top Tips to Smart Snacking

1. Offer realistic portions¹:
   1. Serve one-fourth to one-third of the adult portion size, or 1 measuring tablespoon of each food for each year of your child’s age.
   2. Give less than you think your child will eat. Let your child ask for more if she is still hungry.
2. Plan snack times:
   1. Unplanned, random snacking can interfere with your child’s appetite and potentially affect the natural instinct to experience hunger and/or fullness. When timed correctly, snacks can support your child get the energy needed to fuel growth and daily activities.
   2. Schedule snack times for best effect:
      1. Toddlers: Offer snacks 2 to 3-hours after a main meal.^1,2
      2. Older Children: Offer snacks 3 to 4-hours after main meals.²
   3. Avoid offering snacks directly after a meal or as a substitute for main meals to avoid cultivating the habit of grazing.

Smart snacking with a complete, balanced oral nutritional supplement

Snacking on 1 or two serves a day of the nutrient-dense, complete and balanced oral nutrition supplement can plug many nutritional gaps in the diets of picky eaters as well as children who need to catch up on growth. This unique supplement also delivers a wide range of vitamins and minerals making every delicious sip a nutrient-packed power choice.

Available in a variety of flavors as a ready-to-drink bottle or an easy-to-prepare powder, you can conveniently and confidently ensure your growing child meets nutrient goals by building in a complete and balanced oral nutrition supplement as a snack.

References:
¹. Right From the Start: ABCs of Good Nutrition for Young Children (Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics)
². Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jan 2021. Title: When Should My Kids Snack?. Accessed 10 Jan 2022. https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/when-should-my-kids-snack

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